Single user input mechanism for controlling electronic device operations

ABSTRACT

A unique input mechanism for controlling several operations of an electronic device is provided. Using the unique input mechanism, which may be the single input mechanism for providing user inputs to the electronic device, a user may provide different inputs or combinations of inputs to control different operations based on the current mode or capacity of the electronic device. For example, a single, short click of a button may control a media operation (e.g., play/pause) in a media mode, and the same input may control a telephony operation (e.g., initiate/terminate call) in a telephony mode. In some embodiments, different inputs may be associated with different types of operations. The unique input mechanism may include, for example, a button, a switch, a key, or an actuator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of prior filed U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/936,965, filed Jun. 22, 2007, which isincorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a single user input mechanism forcontrolling the operations of an electronic device.

Some existing electronic devices can be controlled using several inputmechanisms. For example, some personal media players, such as the iPod,include a scrolling mechanism and one or more buttons (e.g., aclick-wheel) for controlling operations of the media player. As anotherexample, some communications devices such as cellular telephones, mayinclude several keys for dialing telephone numbers, initiating calls,and ending calls.

Typically, the input mechanism of an existing electronic device may beoperative to control several device operations. In some embodiments, theelectronic device may be coupled with a remote input device thatincludes, for example, one input mechanism for controlling a singleelectronic device operation (e.g., a rotary dial for controlling thevolume of a personal electronic device), or a small number of inputmechanisms (e.g., two or three buttons) for controlling a small numberof electronic device operations (e.g., one button for play/pause, andone button for next). Because each of the input mechanisms controls onlya single electronic device operation, the many input mechanisms may bebulky, expensive, and complex to create and to use.

It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a single, unique inputmechanism by which a user may control several electronic deviceoperations. It would also be desirable to provide a unique inputmechanism by which a user can control many diverse, and unrelatedelectronic device operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A unique input mechanism by which a user may control several operationsof an electronic device is provided.

The unique input mechanism may be coupled to the electronic device inany suitable manner. For example, the unique input mechanism may beincorporated in the electronic device. As another example, the uniqueinput mechanism may be remote to the electronic device (e.g., coupledwirelessly or by a cable). The remote unique input mechanism may beincorporated in any suitable device such as, for example, a remote userinput device (e.g., a remote controller), a communications device oraccessory (e.g., a headset), or another electronic device.

The unique input mechanism may include any suitable single inputmechanism that causes different operations to be executed in response todifferent interface events on the single input mechanism. For example,the unique input mechanism may include one of a button, a key, a switchand an actuator. The user may actuate the unique input mechanism in oneof several manners. For example, the user may actuate the inputmechanism for different lengths of time (e.g., a short press of a buttonor a 3-second long press of a button). As another example, the user mayactuate the input mechanism using different sequences (e.g., a singlepress of a button or two presses of a button).

The electronic device may be operative to perform different operationsin response to different inputs received from the unique inputmechanism. For example, in response to a first input received from theunique input mechanism (e.g., a single press of a button), theelectronic device may perform a media operation (e.g., play/pausemedia). As another example, in response to a second input received fromthe unique input mechanism, the electronic device may perform acommunications operation (e.g., pick-up an incoming call, initiate avoice-activated call, or terminate a call).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature andvarious advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an illustrative system that includes aunique input mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an illustrative process for controllingmedia operations and communications operations in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for interacting withan electronic device using a unique input mechanism in accordance withone embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a chart of illustrative associations of inputs providedusing a single input mechanism and corresponding electronic deviceactions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an illustrative system that includes aunique input mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. System 100 may include electronic device 102. Electronicdevice 102 may be any electronic device that includes at least twooperations that a user may control. Suitable electronic devices mayinclude, for example, a computer, a cellular telephone, a mobilecommunications device, a personal media device, a set-top box, atelevision system, combinations thereof (e.g., the iPhone) or any othersuitable electronic device.

The operations may be any suitable operations available using theparticular electronic device. For example, if the electronic device is apersonal media player, the operations may include, for example, at leasttwo of play/pause, next, fast-forward, last, stop, volume up, volumedown, or any other media playback operation. As another example, if theelectronic device is a cellular telephone, the operations may include,for example, at least two of dial, connect, hang-up, hold, switch, mute,volume up, volume down, or any other telephony or communicationsoperation. In yet another example, in a hybrid device having both mediaplayer and telephone functionality, the operations may include at leasttwo of play/pause, next, last, stop, fast-forward, volume up, volumedown, dial, connect, hang-up, hold, switch, mute, or any other mediaapplication, telephony or communications operation. Other operationsthat may be performed include, for example, a select operation and amenu access button.

Electronic device 102 may include control circuitry or processor 104 forperforming the operations of electronic device 102. Processor 104 may becoupled to any other suitable component of electronic device 102. Forexample, processor 104 may be coupled to memory, a storage device,communications circuitry, a display, audio circuitry, a bus, an I/Ocomponent, or any other suitable component.

System 100 may include unique input mechanism 106 for providing userinputs to electronic device 102. Unique input mechanism 106 may be asingle input mechanism operative to provide a signal to electronicdevice 102 in response to a user actuation of unique input mechanism106. In some embodiments, unique input mechanism 106 may providedifferent signals based on the user's input (e.g., depending on theposition of the button forming unique input mechanism 106). For example,electronic device 102 may receive and process a 0 or 1 signal, oridentify the presence or absence of an electric signal.

In some embodiments, system 100 may include several unique inputmechanisms 106 (e.g., several distinct buttons). For the purposes ofthis invention, it will be understood that in such a system, one of theseveral unique input mechanisms 106 may be used to receive differentinterface events to perform communications and media operations.

Unique input mechanism 106 may include any suitable button, key,actuator, switch, or other mechanism that provides at least two states.For example, unique input mechanism 106 may include a bend switch, asdescribed in U.S. patent application publication No. 2008/0165986,published on Jul. 10, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety. As another example, unique input mechanism 106 may includean in-line switch, as described in U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/879,155, filed Jan. 6, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

Unique input mechanism 106 may be incorporated in a user input device(not shown) for controlling several operations of one or more electronicdevices. For example, the user input device may be a remote control(e.g., a universal remote) coupled with one or more electronic devices(e.g., coupled with a television, a set-top box, a recording device, anda media player). In some embodiments, the user input device may includeonly the unique input mechanism. For example, the user input device mayinclude a single button for controlling operations of electronic device102. In some embodiments, the single button may be a dome switch.

In some embodiments, unique input mechanism 106 may be incorporated in adevice that communicates (e.g., using wires or wirelessly) withelectronic device 102. For example, if electronic device 102 includescellular telephone capabilities, unique input mechanism 106 may beincorporated in a wireless headset (e.g., a Bluetooth headset). Onesuitable Bluetooth headset is described in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/879,177, filed Jan. 6, 2007, entitled “WirelessHeadset”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/879,195, filed Jan.6, 2007, entitled “Connector With Magnetic Detent”, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/879,193, filed Jan. 6, 2007, entitled“Acoustic Design of Earbud in a Headset”, all of which are incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

Unique input mechanism 106 may be coupled to electronic device 102 usingcommunications link 108. Communications link 108 may be any suitablewired or wireless link. For example, communications link 108 may be awire (e.g., a headset wire), a cable (e.g., a fiber optic cable), or awireless path created using a suitable wireless communications protocol.Suitable wireless communications protocols may include, for example,Wi-Fi communications (e.g., one of the 802.11 standards), Bluetooth,Nordic, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHzcommunication systems), short-range radio circuitry (e.g., walkie-talkietype circuitry), and infrared protocols.

In some embodiments, electronic device 102 may include a user inputinterface that includes one or more input mechanisms for controllingoperations of the electronic device. In such embodiments, unique inputmechanism 106 may be distinct from electronic device 102 (e.g.,incorporated in a distinct device or user input device) such that uniqueinput mechanism 106 is the only mechanism local to the device in whichthe mechanism is incorporated that may be operative to control severaloperations of electronic device 102. Thus, the user may performdifferent combinations of inputs (as described below in more detail)using unique input mechanism 106 to control several operations ofelectronic device 102.

In some embodiments, unique input mechanism 106 may be incorporatedwithin electronic device 102 such that unique input mechanism 106 may bethe only mechanism within electronic device 102 for controlling theoperation of the electronic device. This approach may be used, forexample, to provide rudimentary or basic operations control for anelectronic device that is primarily controlled using a remote user inputdevice (e.g., a television system that includes a single button on thetelevision, where the television system is controlled using a remotecontrol).

The following flow charts describe various operations of an electronicdevice that a user may control using a unique input mechanism. FIG. 2shows a flow chart of an illustrative process for controlling mediaoperations and communications operations in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Process 200 begins at step 202. At step204, a first user input with the unique input mechanism may be received.For example, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, FIG. 1)coupled with the unique input mechanism (e.g., unique input mechanism106, FIG. 1) may detect a first user input with the unique user inputmechanism. The first user input may be a change in the state of uniqueinput mechanism 106 (e.g., pressing a button) that causes a signal to bereceived by electronic device 102. In some embodiments, the first userinput may be a sequence of changes in state of unique input mechanism106 (e.g., 2 pushes of a button, or an extended push of a button) thatcauses a sequence of signals or a specific signal to be received byelectronic device 102.

At step 206, the electronic device may perform a media operation inresponse to the first input received at step 204. For example,electronic device 102 may start, stop or pause media available with theelectronic device (e.g., start, stop or pause audio provided to aheadset coupled to a media player). As another example, the electronicdevice may skip to the next or previous media item, fast-forward orrewind a media item available for playback, change the volume, load aplaylist, modify a playlist, shuffle or un-shuffle the playlist, or anyother suitable operation.

At step 208, a second user input with the unique input mechanism may bereceived. For example, electronic device 102 may receive a second inputfrom unique input mechanism 106. The second input may be a change instate of unique input mechanism 106, or a sequence of changes in stateof unique input mechanism 106. In some embodiments, the second userinput may be different from the first user input. For example, thesecond user input may be a different change of state or sequence ofchanges of state of unique input mechanism 106 (e.g., one quick push ofa button as opposed to a 3-second push of a button, or as opposed to twopushes of a button). Electronic device 102 may identify the differentsecond input based on a signal received by the electronic device fromunique input mechanism 106. For example, if the first input is a singlepush of a button, electronic device 102 may receive a single, shortsignal from unique input mechanism 106. If the second input is athree-second long push of a button, electronic device 102 may receive asingle, longer signal from unique input mechanism 106 (e.g., a 3-secondlong signal).

At step 210, the electronic device may perform a communicationsoperation in response to the second user input. For example, electronicdevice 102 may initiate or terminate a call, hold a call, switch betweencalls, mute audio, connect to or disconnect from a network (e.g., forInternet access), dial a number, initiate a voice-activated orvoice-controlled call, decline a call, switch to another call, place acall on hold or any other suitable communications operation. In someembodiments, the communications operation may be any operation that maybe performed by a cellular telephone or a mobile communications device.Process 200 then ends at step 212.

In some embodiments, the first and second inputs received at steps 204and 208 may be the same (e.g., a single press of a button). Depending onthe mode or capacity of the electronic device (e.g., media playback modeor telephony mode), the electronic device may interpret the inputdifferently, and perform an operation based on the determined mode(e.g., perform a telephony operation if the electronic device is in thetelephony mode, or alternatively perform a media playback operationbecause the electronic device is in the telephony mode).

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for interacting withan electronic device using a unique input mechanism in accordance withone embodiment of the invention. Process 300 begins at step 302. At step304, the electronic device may monitor user interactions with the uniqueinput mechanism. For example, electronic device 102 (FIG. 1) may monitorsignals received from unique input mechanism 106 (FIG. 1) to monitoruser interactions with unique input mechanism 106. At step 306, theelectronic device may receive an input with the unique input mechanism.For example, electronic device 102 may detect a signal (e.g., anelectrical signal) provided by unique input mechanism 106.

At step 308, the electronic device may determine whether the inputreceived at step 306 is a first input type. For example, electronicdevice 102 may determine whether the signal received from unique inputmechanism 106 corresponds to the signal of a first input type. Forexample, the first input type may be a single press of a button (e.g.,unique input mechanism 106 is a single button). The signal received fromthe button may be detected as a change in the state of the signal (e.g.,from a high voltage to a low voltage signal), or a brief signal that maybe transmitted while the button is pressed. If the electronic devicedetermines that the input is the first input type, process 300 moves tostep 310.

At step 310, the electronic device may determine whether it is playingmedia. For example, electronic device 102 may determine whether audio,video, or both is being provided to a user. If the electronic devicedetermines that it is not playing media, process 300 moves to step 312.At step 312, the electronic device may begin to play media. For example,electronic device 102 may play the next media item on a playlist. Asanother example, the electronic device may play media from a particularfolder or directory (e.g., a folder or directly previously selectedusing another input mechanism or input device). Process 300 then maymove back to step 304, where user interactions with the unique inputmechanism may be monitored.

If, at step 310, the electronic device instead determines that it isplaying media, process 300 may move to step 314. At step 314, theelectronic device may pause media that is being played. For example,electronic device 106 may pause media by ceasing to provide audio, videoor both, and by retaining an indication of the current playback positionof the media. Process 300 may then move back to step 304, where userinteractions with the unique input mechanism may be monitored.

If, at step 308, the electronic device instead determines that the inputis not the first input type, process 300 may move to step 316. At step316, the electronic device may determine whether the input received atstep 306 is a second input type. For example, electronic device 102 maydetermine whether the signal received from unique input mechanism 106corresponds to the signal of a second input type. For example, thesecond input type may be two consecutive presses of a button (e.g.,unique input mechanism 106 is a unique button). The signal received fromthe button may then be a two consecutive changes of the signal (e.g.,from two high-to-low voltage changes), or a two consecutive briefsignals that may be transmitted while the button is pressed. In someembodiments, electronic device 102 may recognize two consecutive pressesof the button as the second signal (e.g., and not the first signalapplied twice) only when the two presses are within a given time period(e.g., 1 or 2 seconds), only when each of the two presses last a giventime period (e.g., within the 0.1 to 0.5 second window), or both. If theelectronic device determines that the input is the second input type,process 300 may move to step 318.

At step 318, the electronic device may skip to the next media itemavailable for playback. For example, electronic device 102 may skip tothe next item in a playlist. As another example, electronic device 102may skip to the next item in a folder or directory, or skip to the nextfolder or directory available in memory (e.g., to navigate memory ofelectronic device 102). In some embodiments, electronic device 102 mayskip to the next media item whether a media item is being played or not.If a media item is currently played, electronic device 102 may play thenext media item in response to the input of step 306. Similarly, if amedia item is not currently played, electronic device 102 may not playthe next media item in response to the input of step 306. Process 300may then move back to step 304, where user interactions with the uniqueinput mechanism may be monitored.

If, at step 316, the electronic device instead determines that the inputis not the second input type, process 300 may move to step 320. At step320, the electronic device may determine whether the input received atstep 306 is a third input type. For example, electronic device 102 maydetermine whether the signal received from unique input device 106corresponds to the signal of a third input type. For example, the thirdinput type may be a single, extended press of a button (e.g., uniqueinput mechanism 106 is a single button). The signal received from thebutton may be a single change of the signal that occurs over an extendedperiod of time (e.g., a short circuit that lasts for at least apredetermined period of time), or a single, longer signal that may betransmitted while the button is pressed. In some embodiments, electronicdevice 102 may recognize the extended press of the button as the thirdsignal (e.g., and not the first signal) only when the press lasts atleast a predetermined time period (e.g., 2 or 3 seconds). If theelectronic device determines that the input is not the third input type,process 300 moves to step 322.

At step 322, process 300 may terminate. In some embodiments, process 300may return to step 304, where user interactions with the unique inputmechanism may be monitored without performing any electronic deviceoperation. In some embodiments, the electronic device may provide anindication of a misunderstood or mistaken input. For example, electronicdevice 102 may provide a visual indication (e.g., on a display of orcoupled with electronic device 102) or an audio indication (e.g., asound or error message on audio speakers, such as a headset, ofelectronic device 102).

If, at step 320, the electronic device instead determines that the inputis the third type, process 300 may move to step 324. At step 324, theelectronic device may determine whether it is performing acommunications operation. For example, electronic device 102 maydetermine whether the user has initiated a call (e.g., a cellulartelephone conversation, a video conference, or a voice over IP (VOIP)call). As another example, electronic device 102 may determine whetherthe user is accessing or transmitting data over a communications network(e.g., surfing the Internet, transferring a file, sending e-mail,sending a text message or media message (SMS or MMS), or streaming ordownloading data, for example media, over the communications network).If the electronic device determines that it is not performing acommunications operation, process 300 may move to step 326.

At step 326, the electronic device may initiate a communicationsoperation. For example, electronic device 102 may initiate a call, starta data transmission, or connect to a communications network (e.g.,connect to the Internet). As another example, electronic device 102 maydial a number (e.g., redial the last number that was dialed or receivedby electronic device 102) or enter an address to access data availablefrom the address (e.g., enter a URL to access a webpage over theInternet).

As still another example, electronic device 102 may initiate avoice-activated or voice-controlled call. Electronic device 102, inresponse to receiving the user input, may monitor incoming audio (e.g.,from a microphone) to identify a number to dial (e.g., identify a nameassociated with a number, or identify a number). If electronic device102 cannot identify the number to dial, electronic device 102 may promptthe user to attempt again to identify the number, or may not perform anyoperation. Once electronic device 102 identifies the number, electronicdevice 102 may dial the identified number. In some embodiments, the usermay similarly initiate any other suitable voice-activated orvoice-controlled communications operation. As yet still another example,electronic device 102 may mute or unmute audio, change the volume of thecommunications operation, or perform any other suitable operation.

In some embodiments, electronic device 102 may determine that it isreceiving an incoming communications request, such as for example anincoming telephone call. Electronic device 102 may then indicate theincoming communications request to the user, for example using an audioindication, a visual indication, or both. In response to receiving auser input of the third type while an incoming communications isrequested, electronic device 102 may initiate a communications operationwith the source of the incoming communication request (e.g., pick-up anincoming telephone call, stream requested media, or download a file).After step 326, process 300 may move back to step 304, where userinteractions with the unique input mechanism may be monitored.

If, at step 324, the electronic device instead determines that it isperforming a communications operation, process 300 may move to step 328.At step 328, the electronic device may terminate the ongoingcommunications operation. For example, electronic device 102 may hang-upa call (e.g., a cellular telephone or VOIP call, or a video conference),or cease transmitting or receiving data over a communications network(e.g., close data ports for surfing the Internet, transferring a file,sending e-mail, sending an SMS or MMS, or streaming or downloadingdata). Process 300 may then move back to step 304, where userinteractions with the unique input mechanism may be monitored.

In some embodiments, the electronic device may instead associate thesame received inputs (e.g., the first, second and third inputs ofprocess 300) with different communications or media playback operationsbased on the current mode of the electronic device. For example, if theelectronic device is in a media playback mode, the electronic device maytreat received inputs as instructions to perform media playbackoperations. For example, the electronic device may play/pause media inresponse to receiving a signal reflecting a single, short press of thebutton (the first input), skip to the next media item in response toreceiving a signal reflecting two short presses of the button (thesecond input), and may fast-forward the current media item in responseto receiving a signal reflecting a single, long press of the button (thethird input).

Similarly, if the electronic device is in a telephony or communicationsmode (e.g., the electronic device is performing a communicationsoperation), the electronic device may treat received inputs asinstructions to perform communications operations. For example, theelectronic device may initiate or terminate a communication (e.g., pickup or hang up a telephone call) in response to receiving a signalreflecting a single, short press of the button (the first input), anddecline an incoming communications request (e.g., decline an incomingcall) in response to receiving a signal reflecting a single, long pressof the button (the third input). In some embodiments, the electronicdevice may perform different operations based on signals reflecting thesame input based on the current communications or telephony operationbeing performed while in the communications mode. For example, whilealready performing a communications operation (e.g., on a telephonecall), if a communications request is received (e.g., another call comesin on another line), the electronic device may switch to the other lineand hold the initial communications operation in response to receiving asignal reflecting a single, short press of the button (the first input),and the electronic device may switch to the other line and terminate theinitial communications operation in response to receiving a signalreflecting a single, long press of the button (the third input).

FIG. 4 shows a chart of illustrative associations of inputs providedusing a single input mechanism and corresponding electronic deviceoperations in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The userinputs in chart 400 will be described as button presses. It will beunderstood, however, that any other input provided by a unique inputmechanism may be used. Chart 400 may include column 402 of buttonpresses, and column 404 of associated media playback operations (e.g.,for use while in media playback mode), and column 406 of communicationsoperations (e.g., for use while in communications mode). The firstbutton press of column 402 may be single press 410. For example, theuser may quickly press a dome switch, a bend switch, or any othersuitable button or switch once. Single press 410 may be associated withstart/stop operation 412 in a media playback mode. For example, inresponse to a single press of the button, the electronic device maystart or stop playing back media (e.g., play media if it is currentlystopped, or stop media if it is currently playing).

Single press 410 may be associated with initiate/terminate operation 414in a communications mode. For example, in response to a single press ofthe button, if an incoming telephone call is being received, the callmay be picked up, or if a call is ongoing, the call may be ended inresponse to a single press of the button. In addition, single press 410may be associated with hold and switch operation 416. For example, inresponse to receiving an incoming telephone call during an ongoingtelephone call, the ongoing telephone call may be placed on hold and theincoming telephone call may be picked up in response to a single pressof the button. The user may then switch back to the other call withsubsequent single presses 410 of the button.

The second button press of column 402 may be double press 420. Forexample, the user may quickly press a dome switch, a bend switch, or anyother suitable button or switch twice consecutively. Double press 420may be associated with next operation 422 in a media playback mode. Forexample, in response to a double press of the button, the electronicdevice may advance to the next media item (e.g., of a currently loadedplaylist). The electronic device may or may not play the next media item(e.g., play the next item if the current item is being played, and notplay the next item if the current item is not being played).

In some embodiments, double press 420 may not be associated with anycommunications operation, for example to avoid users accidentallyterminating ongoing communications operations by failing to press thebutton twice at the correct speed or rate. Alternatively, a double pressof the button may be associated with any suitable communicationsoperation.

The third button press of column 402 may be extended press 430. Forexample, the user may press a dome switch, a bend switch, or any othersuitable button or switch for a given time period (e.g., 3 seconds).Extended press 430 may be associated with fast-forward operation 432 ina media playback mode. For example, in response to a single, long pressof the button, the electronic device may fast-forward the media itemcurrently being played back. If the electronic device reaches the end ofthe media item, the electronic device may end the fast-forward operation(e.g., and play back the next media item), or start fast-forwarding thenext media item).

Extended press 430 may be associated with terminate and switch operation434 in a communications mode. For example, in response to a single, longpress of the button, the electronic device may end an ongoing telephonecall and switch to an incoming call on another line. The extended pressmay be used, for example, while another call is on hold, to end thecurrent call and return to the previous call (now on hold).

The above described embodiments of the present invention are presentedfor purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the presentinvention is limited only by the claims which follow.

1. A method for using a unique user input mechanism to control aplurality of electronic device operations of an electronic device, themethod comprising: receiving a user input with the unique user inputmechanism; in response to the receiving the user input, determining atype of the received user input; and in response to the determining thetype of the received user input: when the determined type of thereceived user input is a first input type, determining whether theelectronic device is currently performing a first operation of a firstmode of the electronic device; and when the determined type of thereceived user input is a second input type, determining whether theelectronic device is currently performing a second operation of a secondmode of the electronic device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theunique user input mechanism is wirelessly coupled to the electronicdevice using a wireless communications protocol.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the unique user input mechanism is coupled to the electronicdevice using a cable.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the unique userinput mechanism is one of a button, a switch, a key and an actuator. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the first mode comprises a media mode,and wherein the first operation comprises a play operation.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the second mode comprises a communicationsmode, and wherein the second operation comprises at least one of anin-call operation and receiving an incoming call.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the unique user input mechanism is a part of a headset thatis coupled to the electronic device, and wherein the only user inputmechanisms of the headset are the unique user input mechanism and amicrophone.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first input type andthe second input type differ from one another only in one of a durationof a single contact of the unique user input mechanism by a user and aquantity of consecutive contacts of the unique user input mechanism bythe user.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein: the unique user inputmechanism comprises a single button; the first input type comprises asingle short press of the single button; and the second input typecomprises a single long press of the single button.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the determining whether the electronic device iscurrently performing the first operation occurs only when the determinedtype of the received user input is the first input type.
 11. The methodof claim 1, wherein the determining whether the electronic device iscurrently performing the second operation occurs only when thedetermined type of the received user input is the second input type. 12.A system for controlling operations, the system comprising: controlcircuitry; an electronic device; and a single input mechanism forproviding user inputs to the electronic device, wherein the controlcircuitry is operative to: receive a user input from the single inputmechanism; determine a type of the received user input; when thedetermined type of the received user input is a first input type,determine whether the electronic device is currently performing a firstoperation of a first mode of the electronic device; and when thedetermined type of the received user input is a second input type,determine whether the electronic device is currently performing a secondoperation of a second mode of the electronic device.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the first mode comprises a media mode, and wherein thefirst operation comprises a one of a play, pause, stop, back, and nextoperation.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the second mode comprisesa communications mode, and wherein the second operation comprises atleast one of an in-call operation and receiving an incoming call. 15.The system of claim 12, wherein the first input type comprises a single,short actuation of the single input mechanism.
 16. The system of claim12, wherein the second input type comprises a single, long actuation ofthe single input mechanism.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein thesingle input mechanism is the only input mechanism that is remotelycoupled to the electronic device and operative to control operations ofthe electronic device.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the firstinput type and the second input type differ from one another only in oneof a duration of a single contact of the single input mechanism by auser and a quantity of consecutive contacts of the single inputmechanism by the user.
 19. A method for controlling media operations andcommunications operations of an electronic device using a unique userinput mechanism for providing user inputs to the electronic device, themethod comprising: receiving a user input with the unique user inputmechanism; in response to the receiving, determining a type of thereceived user input; in response to a determination that the type of thereceived user input comprises a first type of a plurality of types,determining whether the electronic device is performing a firstcommunications operation during the receiving; in response to adetermination that the electronic device is performing the firstcommunications operation during the receiving, terminating the firstcommunications operation of the electronic device; in response to adetermination that the electronic device is not performing the firstcommunications operation during the receiving, determining whether theelectronic device is performing a first media operation during thereceiving; in response to a determination that the electronic device isperforming the first media operation during the receiving, manipulatingthe first media operation; and in response to a determination that theelectronic device is not performing the first media operation during thereceiving, initiating a second communications operation of theelectronic device.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: inresponse a determination that the type of the received user inputcomprises a second type of the plurality of types, determining whethermedia is currently being played back by the electronic device; and inresponse to a determination that media is currently being played back,pausing the currently played back media.
 21. The method of claim 19further comprising: in response to a determination that the type of thereceived user input comprises a second type of the plurality of types,determining whether media is currently being played back by theelectronic device; and in response to a determination that media is notcurrently being played back, playing back media.
 22. The method of claim19, wherein the initiating the second communications operation comprisesinitiating an outgoing telephone call using the electronic device. 23.The method of claim 22, wherein the initiating the outgoing telephonecall comprises redialing the last telephone number that was at least oneof previously dialed and previously received by the electronic device.24. The method of claim 19, wherein the initiating the secondcommunications operation comprises entering an address to access awebpage over the Internet using the electronic device.
 25. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the electronic device is coupled to a headset thatcomprises a microphone, and wherein the initiating the secondcommunications operation comprises monitoring the microphone for useraudio input to initiate a voice-controlled communications operation. 26.The method of claim 25, wherein the only user input mechanisms of theheadset are the unique user input mechanism and the microphone.
 27. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the unique user input mechanism is a part ofa headset that is coupled to the electronic device.
 28. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the first media operation comprises playing back amedia item, and wherein the manipulating the first media operationcomprises fast forwarding the playback of the media item.
 29. The methodof claim 19 further comprising: in response to a determination that thetype of the received user input comprises a second type of the pluralityof types, manipulating a particular media operation that the electronicdevice is performing.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the particularmedia operation comprises playing back a first media item of a pluralityof media items, and wherein the manipulating the particular mediaoperation comprises skipping to play back a second media item of theplurality of media items.
 31. The method of claim 19, wherein the firstcommunications operation comprises an ongoing call.
 32. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the first type and a second type of the plurality oftypes differ from one another only in one of a duration of a singlecontact of the unique user input mechanism by a user and in a quantityof consecutive contacts of the unique user input mechanism by the user.33. The method of claim 19, wherein: the unique user input mechanismcomprises a single button; the plurality of types further comprises asecond type and a third type; one of the first type, the second type,and the third type comprises a single short press of the single button;another one of the first type, the second type, and the third typecomprises a double short press of the single button; and yet another oneof the first type, the second type, and the third type comprises asingle long press of the single button.
 34. The method of claim 19,wherein: the unique user input mechanism comprises a single button; theplurality of types further comprises a second type and a third type; thefirst type comprises a single long press of the single button; thesecond type comprises a single short press of the single button; and thethird type comprises a double short press of the single button.
 35. Aportable electronic device having telephone functionality and mediaplayback functionality, and operative to receive signals from a headsethaving a single button, the electronic device comprising controlcircuitry that is operative to: receive at least one signal from theheadset, wherein the at least one signal corresponds to a user input tothe single button; process the received at least one signal to determinea type of the user input; in response to a determination that the typeof the user input corresponds to a first type of a plurality of types,determine whether the electronic device is performing a firstcommunications operation when the at least one signal is received; inresponse to a determination that the electronic device is performing thefirst communications operation when the at least one signal is received,terminate the first communications operation of the electronic device;in response to a determination that the electronic device is notperforming the first communications operation when the at least onesignal is received, determine whether the electronic device isperforming a first media operation when the at least one signal isreceived; in response to a determination that the electronic device isperforming the first media operation when the at least one signal isreceived, manipulate the first media operation; and in response to adetermination that the electronic device is not performing the firstmedia operation when the at least one signal is received, initiate asecond communications operation of the electronic device.
 36. Theportable electronic device of claim 35, wherein the secondcommunications operation comprises an outgoing telephone call, andwherein the control circuitry is operative to initiate the secondcommunications operation by dialing a telephone number using thetelephone functionality of the electronic device.
 37. The portableelectronic device of claim 35, wherein the second communicationsoperation comprises accessing a web page over the Internet, and whereinthe control circuitry is operative to initiate the second communicationsoperation by entering an address of the web page.
 38. The portableelectronic device of claim 35, wherein the headset comprises amicrophone for capturing user audio input, wherein the electronic devicereceives the captured user audio input from the headset, and wherein thecontrol circuitry is operative to initiate the second communicationsoperation by dialing a number based on the received user audio input.39. A method for using a unique user input mechanism of a headset tocontrol an electronic device that is coupled to the headset, the methodcomprising: receiving a user input with the unique user input mechanism;in response to the receiving, determining a type of the received userinput; in response to a determination that the type of the received userinput comprises a first type of a plurality of types, determiningwhether the electronic device is performing a first communicationsoperation during the receiving; in response to a determination that theelectronic device is performing the first communications operationduring the receiving, terminating the first communications operation ofthe electronic device; in response to a determination that theelectronic device is not performing the first communications operationduring the receiving, initiating a second communications operation ofthe electronic device, wherein the initiating comprises activating amicrophone of the headset.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein theactivating the microphone comprises monitoring for user voice controlsignals that are incoming to the microphone to identify a telephonenumber to dial.
 41. The method of claim 40 further comprising, inresponse to identifying the telephone number to dial, dialing theidentified telephone number.
 42. The method of claim 39, wherein themicrophone and the unique user input mechanism of the headset are theonly user input mechanisms of the headset.
 43. The method of claim 39,wherein the first communications operation comprises one of an ongoingcall and receiving an incoming call.
 44. The method of claim 39, whereinthe first type and a second type of the plurality of types differ fromone another only in one of a duration of a single contact of the uniqueuser input mechanism by a user and a quantity of consecutive contacts ofthe unique user input mechanism by the user.
 45. The method of claim 39,wherein: the unique user input mechanism comprises a single button; theplurality of types further comprises a second type and a third type; oneof the first type, the second type, and the third type comprises asingle short press of the single button; another one of the first type,the second type, and the third type comprises a double short press ofthe single button; and yet another one of the first type, the secondtype, and the third type comprises a single long press of the singlebutton.
 46. The method of claim 39, wherein: the unique user inputmechanism comprises a single button; the plurality of types furthercomprises a second type and a third type; the first type comprises asingle long press of the single button; the second type comprises asingle short press of the single button; and the third type comprises adouble short press of the single button.
 47. A system comprising: aheadset comprising: a microphone for receiving audio signals; and aunique user input mechanism for detecting a user input; and anelectronic device that is coupled to the headset, the electronic devicecomprising control circuitry that is operative to: receive the detecteduser input from the headset; determine a type of the received userinput; in response to a determination that the type of the received userinput comprises a first type of a plurality of types, determine whetherthe electronic device is performing a first communications operationwhen the detected user input is received; in response to a determinationthat the electronic device is performing the first communicationsoperation when the detected user input is received, terminate the firstcommunications operation of the electronic device; in response to adetermination that the electronic device is not performing the firstcommunications operation when the detected user input is received,initiate a second communications operation of the electronic device byinstructing the headset to activate the microphone.
 48. The system ofclaim 47, wherein the control circuitry is operative to instruct theheadset to activate the microphone by instructing the headset to monitorfor user voice control signals that are incoming to the microphone toidentify a telephone number to dial.
 49. The system of claim 48, whereinthe control circuitry is further operative to dial the identifiedtelephone number.